Harbor's morning fog clung like a bad debt, muffling the gym's clang of weights and Rico's off-key humming. Alex wiped sweat from a heavy bag session—stress relief, not training. Scarface reported: "Vipers tucked tail. Word's out—no one crosses Kane." Mrs. Patel dropped off samosas as thanks, Jax promised free tacos for life. Gratitude or tribute? Alex wondered, journal burning a hole in his pocket.A sharp rap cut the chatter. Through the window: a woman in a leather jacket, red hair tied back, camera slung like a weapon. Lena Voss. She flashed a press badge. "Alex Kane? Neo-Tokyo Tribune. Mind a chat about the 'Shadow Don' taking Harbor?"The crew froze. Rico whispered, "Fed? No—nosy scribe. Play cool, Boss."Alex opened the door, feigning calm. "No comment. Wrong address." But Lena shouldered in, eyes sharp as shrapnel. "Nice setup. Thugs turned janitors? Bakery 'donations'? Spill—Harbor's buzzing you're rebuilding Vinny's syndicate.""Not a syndicate." Alex gestured to the ring. "Gym. Community fixes. Try the samosas—Mrs. Patel's lethal."Lena smirked, biting one. Spice hit; she coughed, impressed. "Clever dodge. But Vipers' burns? Your ghost trap?" Her notebook flipped open, pen poised. Up close, Alex noted faint scars on her knuckles—bar fights? Journalism perks?Scarface loomed. "Lady, Boss don't talk—""Easy." Alex waved him off. "Look, I'm an engineer. Uncle died, left this mess. Fixing it doesn't make me Tony Soprano." He showed the journal's first page: Vinny's doodles of shadows, no threats.Lena's gaze lingered—skeptical, intrigued. "Engineers don't steam-scald gangs. Or inspire loyalty like yours." She snapped a photo of the crew posing awkwardly. "Off-record: Harbor needs heroes, not another Draven."Draven? Alex filed it. "Who's that?""Real monster. Skyline kingpin. If you're not him..." She handed a card. "Call if you change your mind. Or need saving from headlines." Her scooter revved away, leaving spice-scented tension.Rico chuckled. "She likes you, Boss. Feisty."Alex pocketed the card, unease prickling. Journal entry flickered in mind: Shadows draw hunters. Outside, a Viper scout slunk off, reporting to Razor: "Kane's got a redhead spy. War's on."Lena typed furiously: Shadow Don: Myth or Menace? Interview hints innocence... or genius ploy.End of Chapter 4
